Is there anyone that have a nice idea or design for onboard charging of LiPo batteries?
When using multiple cells lipo batteries, balance charging is required. When only using the train with deadtracking, then the wheel pickups could be used for charging from the track only. So instead of removing the battery or need to acces the balance contact, just place the train on a powered track to charge.
I have an HO deadrail layout. I have been using 2 cell lipo batteries to power my locomotives. It is difficult to fit a 3 cell lipo battery into the tenders of my steam engines of which I have nine. The locomotives run fine on a 2 cell lipo battery with 7.4 volts of power. The only impact of 7.4 volts is a lower top speed. On the topic of onboard charging of lipo batteries, I believe it hasn't truly been sorted out by any one in real life. i have read a number of articles written by armchair academics and dreamers and haven't seen itdone on an actual functioning layout.
I remove my lipo batteries individually for charging. (By the way, I get approx two hours of operation with a fully charged lipo battery using Del Tang receivers and transmitters with the two cell). Takes me literally ten seconds to remove each battery from it's tender. Then I charge the batteries three at a time while watching television.
Hope this helps.
Rick Dow